In the Catholic tradition, it is considered a Spiritual Work of Mercy to Pray for the Living and the Dead. Jesus promised Saint Gertrude the Great that 1,000 souls would be freed from purgatory and sent into heaven every time this prayer is said with genuine affect: Eternal Father, I offer You the most Precious […]
Sorrow is a tunnel that leads deep into the heart of our shared humanity, where we discover the mystery of God. While grieving, we can be tempted to feel alone. Even on the cross, Jesus in His humanity asked “My God, why have you abandoned me?” But the truth is found in Psalm 34 18: “The LORD […]
It’s hard to see beauty when she’s dancing in the ashes of our broken dreams. But with chubby cheeks covered in soot, she’s always there kicking up dust, revealing an eternal perspective, which can be hidden but not destroyed.
I don’t like it when people describe winning or losing a battle with cancer. As passionate as I am about the power of healing prayer, I think the real battle is whether or not we will persevere in faith through trials like cancer, whether we’re cured or not. This week, a seven-year-old little boy in […]
Earth’s crammed with heaven… But only he who sees, takes off his shoes. ― Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Aurora Leigh When’s the last time you reflected on the very best moments of your life? For my Theology of Spirituality graduate studies, I’m reading a memoir called “A Severe Mercy” by Sheldon Vanauken. I know. It sounds like […]